The goal of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) program is to help people prepare for and become employed. Participants receive services from an employment services provider in your area, as assigned by your county.

People who apply for cash and food assistance may be enrolled in this program if you do not qualify for other cash assistance programs. Your worker will tell you if you must participate in this program. This program may not be available in every county.

Eligibility and exclusions

SNAP participants between age 18 and 50 who do not receive cash benefits from other public assistance programs may be required to participate in SNAP Employment and Training programs.

You may be excused from participating if you:

Are caring for young children or an incapacitated household member

Receive unemployment benefits

Participate in a chemical dependency treatment program

Work 30 or more hours per week

Participate in an approved training program

Have a permanent or temporary disability.

Benefits

Food benefits

The amount of food benefits you get is based on your income, expenses and the number of people in your household. The date your benefits will begin depends on the date the county receives your SNAP application.

Employment services

The department has produced videos for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) participants and the community in English and Spanish, with a Somali language version currently in production.

The videos describes the SNAP Employment and Training program in Minnesota for mandatory Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs) and volunteers who are receiving food benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Orientation – English Version

This video describes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment & Training (E&T) program requirements in Minnesota for mandatory Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) and volunteers for those receiving food benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Each participant will attend an orientation to learn more about program services. Your worker will then help you complete an individual assessment and an employment plan. Depending on needs, you may take part in:

Job-seeking training, such as resume writing and interviewing skills

Group and individual job search activities

Literacy or other adult basic education

English language training

Short-term vocational or technical training

Job placement services

If needed, help with transportation or other supportive services will be provided. If you fail to comply with the requirements of your employment plan, you are subject to sanctions and could temporarily or permanently lose food benefits.

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Terminology disclaimer
The terminology used to describe people with disabilities has changed over time. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (“Department”) supports the use of “People First” language. Although outmoded and offensive terms might be found within documents on the Department’s website, the Department does not endorse these terms.